Over the past five years, the number of chemical engineering students (1,816 in 2009) has increased by 97%, and by 62% in just two years (2,201 in 2012).

Chemical engineering continues to be the most popular engineering career of choice for many women, with females accounting for one in four undergraduates in 2014, compared to 15% for all engineering subjects.

The annual increase for all major UK engineering and science undergraduate courses was 7% in 2014, and 22% since 2009.

Overall, UK undergraduates starting courses in 2014 exceeded half a million for the first time (512,370), an annual increase of 3% and 6% higher than five years ago.

Institution of Chemical Engineers director of policy Andy Furlong, said: "The recent growth trends and long-term demand for chemical engineers remains robust, but it is important to remember that no profession is immune to economic pressures.

"The current challenges faced by the oil and gas sector, albeit likely to be relatively short-term, are a good reminder that all undergraduates should research and choose their courses carefully."